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Mri scan on neck :how will they put me in eg feet first or head first

42 replies

Mriscan · 08/02/2025 14:52

I'm just wondering how they will put me in, I don't think I could cope with my head first.

OP posts:
MinnieCauldwell · 08/02/2025 17:27

I have had around 15 I think on my head, very claustrophobic but an eye mask helps. They usually give me earplugs, headphones and radio 2. They always let me know when I am half way through. Never had to resort to being sedated, it's only about 30 minutes.

TigerRag · 08/02/2025 17:29

I've had several (plus a full body MRI) and it's always been head first

Thistooshallpsss · 08/02/2025 17:29

Definitely shut your eyes and think of something complicated to take the time up

lorn195 · 08/02/2025 17:39

Definitely head first. I had this done many years ago when I found a lump in my neck. Everything with metal had to be taken off inc wedding ring and bra.

Not very unpleasant as I was listening to my favourite CD through headphones.

FromCuddleLand · 08/02/2025 19:44

saraclara · 08/02/2025 16:44

I've had three and they were all head first.

But there are new types of machines coming out all the time, so who knows? My first one was the original long tube which I barely managed to handle. The second one was a tad wider and higher and I was only put half way in. The third was the doughnut shaped one, and that was SO much better.

Edited

Was the third one possibly a CT scan? Those scanners are more like a doughnut than a tube and are quicker and less noisy.

GreatTheCat · 08/02/2025 20:02

I've had about 15 of the bloody things, both head and shoulders. Always head first.
Best thing I've found is not seeing. I might look like a muppet, but I go into the room with a mask on (metal free) and never see the machine. That a 2mg of diazipram help.

Addeline · 08/02/2025 20:10

I close my eyes as soon as I lie down and don’t open then til I’m out again. The tube is open at the other end, it’s air conditioned so not at all stuffy. I’m a bit claustrophobic but can usually cope.

Stanislas · 08/02/2025 20:19

I had a full back mri scan. It was over an hour. It was a lovely bit of peace and quiet in a very hectic time and I didn’t mind the noise as I’m slightly deaf. Just kept my eyes firmly shut.

Sunnnybunny72 · 08/02/2025 20:23

I've had a few. Eyes shut from entering the room until it's all over.

UbiquitousObjects · 08/02/2025 20:31

Definitely head first.

I had one a couple of months ago. A very elderly man was before me. He came out, I went in, they got me settled on the trolley and asked what music I'd like for the headphones.

The Dr popped the headphones on me as he said 'the musics still on from the last patient, bear with and I'll get it changed'.

So on the music comes. I'm lying there, the bed starts moving, I'm being drawn into the bloody tube which always makes me think of a coffin anyway...and the guy before me chose hymns. HYMNS. It was the most dreary, ancient, funeral-like hymn I've ever heard. Exactly the music you get when the bearers are carrying in the casket. It was like being put to bloody rest 🤢 😂

I can laugh about it now but I am incredibly claustrophobic at the best of times and the funeral music as I was going in seriously nearly tipped me over the edge 🙈

fridaynight1 · 08/02/2025 20:48

Eyes closed until it's all done.

saraclara · 08/02/2025 22:11

FromCuddleLand · 08/02/2025 19:44

Was the third one possibly a CT scan? Those scanners are more like a doughnut than a tube and are quicker and less noisy.

No, definitely MRI. It was a lot longer than the doughnut CT scanner, but a similar shape from the front.

IrritableVowel · 08/02/2025 22:21

I have an annual brain mri and I am not a fan, but opposite to everyone else so far, I feel more claustrophobic with my eyes closed. I think it is because I know I shouldn't move, so if they are closed, I always feel twitchy that I can't open them. (I actually don't know if opening/closing matters to the scan). I sometimes get music, sometimes it's not available. I try to think of silly distractions. Eg in the show Friends, name all the characters for each letter of the alphabet. It just keeps my mind occupied.

Clothes wise- I wear a vest top, tshirt leggings and warm socks. I just have to take my bra off. No need for a gown and I feel more comfy. I was given a blanket over my lower half once and I was far too warm, but other times my feet were cold. So warm socks is a happy medium.

Toddlerteaplease · 08/02/2025 22:55

I've had loads of head scans, and never ever been offered music. I usually have a nap!

Thriwit · 09/02/2025 00:12

I guess it must depend on the type of scanner. I had a neck MRI a few months ago, and it was head-first but I definitely wasn’t in very far. I also didn’t have to get changed into a gown, and I could even keep my underwired bra on.

Fordian · 09/02/2025 00:35

Mriscan · 08/02/2025 15:19

I found it hard when I had to do my middle and I asked them to keep me up to date with how long it would be for instance, nearly there, 5 mins left and they didn't.
They didn't speak English very well to be honest and I thought I had to have the dye because it said that in the letter and I didn't and the man didn't understand me

Good idea to ring ahead and try and sort it before.

Sorry to hijack, but I really, really want you to complain about the experience you had.

It enrages me the extent to which the NHS (and HCPC) are turning a blind eye to the inability of the staff who are examining you to speak English. And, sadly, perform competent MRI scans. And us, who are paying their wages, are supposed to applaud the 'diversity' of these wonderful third world trained people who selflessly staff our NHS (while our own graduates can't get jobs).

I am an MRI radiographer (doing bank at a private place with a large NHS contract) and you'd be shocked at how many of my patients approach in fear, if not terror, having endured previous lMRIs at the hands of people I wouldn't entrust with my dog.

Needless to say, where I work we are kind, understanding, considerate. We all know an MR scanner is a scary, alien experience for many people. We also know a well conducted MRI scan is a brilliant diagnostic tool, and we take pride in supporting nervous patients successfully through the process. You want a time check between each scan? I will happily give you one. Buzz if you feel cool, or too warm. Is the music volume okay? You need to scratch your nose? Now's the time to do it, etc.

Happily, most of our patients head on their way having had a much better experience.

I hope yours is conducted by a kind, competent radiographer!

But we must not be fobbed off in gratitude for substandard service.

HeartandSeoul · 09/02/2025 00:46

I had an MRI of my neck only last week! It was my first MRI, and I was so nervous, but it was fine. As many of others have already pointed out, it’s head first, with the frame over the head. I went it up to my waist.

I have watched my teenage son have to endure two in recent months, so he was my
inspiration to just get on with it! I took rescue remedy beforehand, and listened to my music (they played it through YouTube for me!).

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